Modular outdoor kitchen

ABSTRACT

A modular outdoor kitchen comprises a plurality of weather resistant outdoor kitchen modules. Each module comprises a frame having a plurality of outer faces. The modules are releasably connected together in mating arrangement. A plurality of weather-resistant fascia panels are provided on at least a portion of the pluralities of outer faces of the frames. Each fascia panel includes at least one exterior surface that simulates the appearance of an outdoor building material. The modular outdoor kitchen substantially has the appearance of a built-in outdoor kitchen that is substantially constructed of the outdoor building material when the plurality of outdoor kitchen modules are connected together.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/438,262, filed May 14, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Design patent application Ser. No. 29/163,760, filed Jul. 11, 2002, nowU.S. Design Pat. No. D475,552.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to outdoor food preparation equipment, and morespecifically, to a modular outdoor kitchen for outdoor patios, terraces,and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor recreation and entertainment often includes outdoor cooking.Portable outdoor gas and charcoal grills for cooking foods outdoors arewell known. In addition, where affordable and practical, permanentlyconstructed barbeque pits are also used to prepare foods on outdoorpatios or terraces. Unfortunately, while such outdoor cooking equipmentand facilities are effective for cooking foods, they typically do notinclude suitable facilities for many other types of food preparation orfor the storage of foods, utensils, and cooking supplies. For example,it is often necessary to first prepare food in an indoor kitchen beforecooking the food outdoors. Many foods require maintenance atrefrigerated temperatures before cooking. Such foods typically must bestored in an indoor refrigerator or an ice chest. In addition, foodsthat are to be prepared by cooking methods other than grilling (such ason a stovetop) must typically be prepared indoors.

Outdoor kitchens are known that enable persons to prepare meals outdoorswithout the need for associated indoor food preparation activities. Suchoutdoor kitchens often include an outdoor structure or “island” that ispermanently constructed of outdoor building materials such as brick,stone, stucco, tile, wood, or the like. These outdoor kitchens mayinclude food preparation surfaces, gas burners and associated cookingsurfaces, refrigerators for cold food storage, drawers and cabinets forthe storage of utensils and other articles, and the like. Unfortunately,such permanently constructed outdoor kitchens are expensive anddifficult and time-consuming to construct. In addition, it isimpractical to move or alter a permanently constructed outdoor kitchento suit changing needs or preferences.

Therefore, there is a need for an outdoor kitchen that is less costlyand more practical than permanently constructed outdoor kitchens. Thereis a need for an outdoor kitchen that is substantially portable. Therealso is a need for an outdoor kitchen that can be rearranged orreconfigured to suit changing needs or preferences. It is also desirablefor such an outdoor kitchen to have the appearance of a permanentlyconstructed outdoor kitchen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a modular outdoor kitchen. The modular outdoorkitchen includes a plurality of outdoor kitchen modules. Each modulecomprises a frame having a plurality of outer faces. The modulesreleasably connect together in mating arrangement. A plurality ofweather resistant fascia panels is on at least a portion of thepluralities of outer faces of the frames. Each fascia panel includes atleast one exterior surface that simulates the appearance of an outdoorbuilding material. The modular outdoor kitchen substantially has theappearance of a built-in outdoor kitchen that is substantiallyconstructed of the outdoor building material when the plurality ofoutdoor kitchen modules are connected together.

The invention also includes a module for an outdoor kitchen. The moduleincludes an inner frame having a plurality of outer faces. At least oneweather-resistant fascia panel including an exterior surface is attachedto at least a portion of the outer faces of the frame. The term “weatherresistant” as used herein means being capable of substantiallywithstanding rain, moisture, heat, cold, and direct sunlight for asubstantial period of time without substantial degradation. The exteriorsurface of the fascia panel simulates the appearance of an outdoorbuilding material. The module has the appearance of at least a portionof a built-in outdoor kitchen that is substantially constructed of theoutdoor building material.

The invention further includes a method of providing a weather-resistantoutdoor kitchen. The method includes making available a plurality ofinterconnectable outdoor kitchen modules. Each module includes at leastone weather-resistant fascia panel on an outer surface of the module.Each fascia panel includes an exterior surface that simulates theappearance of an outdoor building material. The method further includesproviding at least two outdoor kitchen modules from the plurality ofoutdoor kitchen modules, and arranging for the transportation the atleast two outdoor kitchen modules to an outdoor kitchen site. The atleast two outdoor kitchen modules are capable of being assembledtogether to form an outdoor kitchen that substantially has theappearance of an outdoor kitchen constructed of the outdoor buildingmaterial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular outdoorkitchen;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end module for an outdoor kitchenlike that shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the end module of FIG. 2 and an adjacentconnecting outdoor kitchen module;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a ninety-degree corner module;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a forty-five degree corner module;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outdoor kitchen module having aplurality of drawers;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an outdoor kitchen module having asingle gas burner;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an outdoor kitchen module havingmultiple gas burners;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an outdoor kitchen module having arefrigerator;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an outdoor kitchen module having alarge lower drawer;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a left end outdoor kitchen module;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a right end outdoor kitchen module;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bar counter module;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembled modular outdoor fireplace;and

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the modular outdoor fireplace shown inFIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a modular outdoor kitchen 10 according tothe invention. The outdoor kitchen 10 includes a plurality of individualportable outdoor kitchen modules 20L, 30, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100connected together in a desired arrangement. The dashed lines in FIG. 1indicate vertical seams between adjoining modules. In the illustratedembodiment, the kitchen 10 includes a left end module 20L, arefrigerator module 30, a first forty-five degree corner module 45, afirst side burner module 50, a burner module 60 having multiple burnersand a hood 65, a second side burner module 70, a second forty-fivedegree corner module 45, a drawer module 80, and a bar counter module100. The connected modules 20L, 30, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 combineto form an outdoor kitchen that substantially has the appearance of acustom-built unit that is permanently constructed of an outdoor buildingmaterial such as brick masonry, stone, stucco, tile, wood, or the like.The modules are substantially interchangeable, and it is possible todirectly connect any module to any other module or modules. Accordingly,the modular outdoor kitchen 10 is not limited to the arrangement shownin FIG. 1. The outdoor kitchen 10 may include more or fewer modules thanthose shown. In addition, it is possible to eliminate unwanted modulesand to include other desired modules. An unlimited number of outdoorkitchen arrangements are possible using the disclosed outdoor kitchensystem.

FIG. 2 shows a typical construction of an outdoor kitchen module. Thespecific module shown in FIG. 2 is a right end module 20L. The basicconstruction of each different type of module described herein may besubstantially similar to the construction of the left end module 20L. Aninner frame 22 defines the overall shape of the module and providesstrength and rigidity. The frame 22 includes a plurality of elongatedframe members 23, and forms a substantially open interior. Preferably,the frame members 23 are steel, aluminum, or another suitable metal ormaterial, and have suitable structural cross-sections that provide highstrength-to-weight ratios. Fasteners, welds, or other suitableconnectors join the frame members 23 together. Vertically adjustablelevelers 130 are affixed to a base portion of the frame 22. Preferably aleveler 130 includes a threaded shaft having a foot or pad attached toits lower end. The levelers 130 permit the module 20L to stably sit in alevel position atop an inclined or otherwise irregular support surface.

One or more weather-resistant outer fascia panels 24 are affixed toouter faces of the frame 22. The outermost surfaces of the fascia panels24 preferably are textured, colored, and/or contoured to have theappearance of a surface of an outdoor building material such as brick,stone, stucco, tile, wood, or the like. The end module 20L shown in FIG.2 includes a countertop surface 26. Preferably, the countertop 26 isapproximately 36.5 inches tall. Matching modules may also include abacksplash portion 28 as shown having a height of about 42 inches.

All outer surfaces of the modules preferably are constructed ofsubstantially weather-resistant materials, including the outer fasciapanels 24, countertop 26, and backsplash 28. For example, the countertop26 and backs-plash 28 may be covered with ceramic or stone tiles or anyother material that is suitable as a food-preparation surface and isalso weather resistant. The fascia panels 24 preferably aresubstantially constructed of a fiber cement material such as isavailable from Nichiha USA, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. Fiber cement is durableand weather resistant, and can be patterned and colored to provide arealistic resemblance to brick, stone, stucco, or other outdoor buildingmaterials.

FIG. 3 shows the adjoining sides or ends of a right end module 20R andan adjacent module 21. The adjacent module 21 can be any desired modulesuch as those described in detail below. As shown, the abutting sides orends of the modules 20R, 21 are substantially open. The correspondingvertical frame members 23, 25 of the adjoining modules substantiallyabout each other when the modules are connected together. The forwardedges 27, 217 of the modules 20R, 21 align with each other such that thefascia panels 24, 214 are substantially coplanar, thus providing anappearance of a continuous surface. The modules 20R, 21 preferably arereleasably connected together by aligned connectors 100, 101. In apreferred arrangement, the connectors comprise a rotatable latch portion100 on one module 20R, and a mating catch portion 110 on the adjoiningmodule 21. When the modules are positioned together in side-by-sidearrangement, the rotatable latch 100 is rotated such that the latch 100engages the catch 110, thereby forming a releasable and secureconnection between the modules. Preferably, two latch/catch sets(100/110) are provided at each front and rear vertical joint. One set isprovided near the upper ends of each vertical frame member 23, 25, and asecond set is located near the bottom end of each vertical frame member23, 25.

A variety of outdoor kitchen modules is provided such that desiredmodules can be selected and assembled together to form a customizedoutdoor kitchen “island.” FIGS. 4-13 show several embodiments of varioustypes of modules that can be provided. The modules have compatibleoverall depths and heights such that when joined together, they mate bycombining to form an outdoor kitchen substantially having the appearanceof a single unit. The term “mate” as used herein means to join or fittogether. Preferably, the countertops of the modules are about 36.5inches tall, and the depths of all modules (other than the cornermodules) are about 28 inches. The backsplash portions of the modules (ifany) preferably are about 42 inches tall. In FIGS. 4-13, the interiorportions of the modules, including the inner frames of the modules, havebeen omitted from the Figures. Each substantially open side of thesemodules is depicted in these Figures by a pair of crossing lines thatform an “X”. The interior portions of the modules of FIGS. 4-13 aresubstantially similar to the interior portion of the end unit module 20Rshown in FIG. 2. The inner frames of the modules may include one or morecross-brace members for added strength and rigidity. It will be apparentto a person of ordinary skill in the art that other types and sizes ofmodules other than those shown in the Figures can be provided withoutdeparting from the invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show two embodiments of corner modules 90, 45. The cornermodule 90 shown in FIG. 4 can be included in an outdoor kitchen to forma ninety-degree bend. As shown, side edges 91 and 93 are substantiallyperpendicular to each other. The exposed front vertical surface includesan outer fascia panel 94 that simulates the appearance of an outdoorbuilding material. A similar matching fascia panel is provided on theexposed rear surface of the module 90 (not shown). The corner unit 90may include a basin 96 mounted in its top surface as shown. The basin 96may include a drain 98, and can be used as a sink, ice chest, storagebin, or the like.

The corner unit shown in FIG. 5 provides a bend in an outdoor kitchenthat is less than ninety degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, sideedges 41 and 43 form an included angle of about forty-five degrees.Other corner units that provide other smaller or larger bend angles canalso be provided. For example, corner units forming an included angle ofabout thirty degrees or about sixty degrees may be provided. The exposedfront vertical surfaces of the corner module 45 include an outer fasciapanel 44 that simulates the appearance of an outdoor building material.A similar matching fascia panel may be provided on the exposed rearsurface of the module 45 (not shown).

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a module 80 that includes a plurality ofdrawers 82. The module 80 includes a housing 81 having an opening 83 forreceiving drawers 82. The drawers 82 are slidably mounted in the opening83. A front fascia panel 84 covers the exposed surfaces of the module 80around the faces of the drawers 82. A similar matching fascia panel isprovided on the exposed rear surface of the module 80 (not shown). Thedrawers 82 and the housing 81 can be separately packaged and separatelytransported to an outdoor kitchen site, thereby reducing the individualshipping weights of the packaged components.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show two embodiments of modules having gas burners 72, 62mounted in their tops. The modules 70, 60 include respective housings71, 61 having respective recesses 73, 63 that are configured to receiveburner units 72, 62. These burner modules 70, 60 may include a singlegas burner 72 (as shown in FIG. 7), or two or more gas burners 62 (asshown in FIG. 8). A grille, griddle, or stovetop surface or surfaces maybe provided with the burners to permit a variety of cooking methodoptions in an outdoor kitchen (not shown). Where a grilling surface isprovided, a movable grilling hood 65 may be provided as shown in FIG. 1.The grill may also include a rotisserie (not shown). A cabinet 76, 66may be provided in the modules 70, 60 below the burners 72, 62 as shown.The cabinets 76, 66 are received in openings 77, 67 in the housings 71,61. A single access door 78 may be provided to cover the cabinet 76 innarrower modules 70. Alternatively, two or more access doors 68 may beprovided in wider modules 60. The cabinets 76, 66 may be used to housecanisters or cylinders for supplying fuel to the gas burners 72, 62,and/or the compartments 76, 66 may be used to store other articles.Front fascia panels 74, 64 cover the exposed front surfaces of themodules 70, 60. Similar fascia panels cover the exposed rear surfaces ofthe modules 70, 60 (not shown).

A refrigerator module 30 is shown in FIG. 9. The module 30 may include ahousing 31 having an opening 33 configured to receive a refrigerator 32.As the modules described above, the module 30 includes a fascia panel 34that covers the exposed front surfaces of the module. An additionalfascia panel may cover the exposed rear surface of the module 30 (notshown). A refrigerator 32 that is suitable for outdoor use is housed inthe module 30 as shown. Preferably, the refrigerator unit 32 can beremoved from the module 30 for service or replacement. In addition, therefrigerator unit 32 and the housing 31 can be separately packaged andseparately transported to an outdoor kitchen site, thereby reducing theindividual shipping weights of the packaged components.

A propane canister or trash module 160 is shown in FIG. 10. The module160 includes a housing 161 having an opening 163. The opening 163 isconfigured to receive a pair of drawers 162,166 that are slidablydisposed in the opening 163. Preferably, the lower drawer 166 is tallenough to receive a standard propane canister for supplying gas to aburner in an adjacent burner module or other gas appliance. Drawer 166may include one or more vents 167 to permit any accumulated gas orvapors to escape from the module 160. The drawer 166 can also be used asa trash receptacle. The module includes a front fascia panel 164 thatcovers the exposed portions of the front face of the module 160surrounding the drawers 162, 166. An additional fascia panel covers theexposed rear surface of the module 160 (not shown). The drawers 162, 166can be removed from the housing 161 for separate shipment to reduce theindividual shipping weights of the packaged components.

Left and right end cap modules 20L, 20R are respectively shown in FIGS.11 and 12. The end cap modules 20L, 20R include front fascia panels 24and end fascia panels 21. The exposed rear surfaces of the modules 20L,20R also include matching fascia panels (not shown). The end cap modules20L, 20R may include speakers 150 mounted on their fascia panels 21, 24.Speakers 150 similarly may be provided on any of the other modulesdescribed herein. The modules 20L, 20R may also include one or moreelectrical outlets 140 mounted on their backsplashes 28 or elsewhere onthe modules. Outlets 140 similarly may be provided on any of the othermodules described herein. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the outlets 140 areconveniently located on the backsplashes 28 such that the outlets 140are proximate to the countertops 26.

A bar or counter module 100 is shown in FIG. 13. The bar module 100includes a counter portion 102 and a riser or wall portion 106. Theriser portion 106 includes a front fascia panel 104 and an end fasciapanel 108 on each end. The exposed rear surface of the riser portion 106also includes a matching fascia panel (not shown). One or more ends ofthe bar module, such as 100, may be configured for attachment to an endof an adjacent module as shown in FIG. 1.

An outdoor kitchen 10 like that shown in FIG. 1 may further include amatching standalone or attached outdoor fireplace 200 like that shown inFIG. 14. The fireplace 200 includes a plurality of fascia panels 204that provide the appearance of an outdoor building material such asbrick or stone that substantially matches the appearance of thecorresponding fascia panels of the outdoor kitchen 10. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 14, the fireplace 200 includes a hearth portion 210, afirebox portion 220 having a fireplace opening 225, a chimney portion230, and a vent portion 240. As shown in FIG. 15, the fireplace 200 maycomprise a plurality of modules 210, 220, 230, 240 that can be producedand shipped separately, and joined together at an outdoor kitchen site.Preferably, the modules 210, 220, 230, 240 are substantially constructedlike the various kitchen modules described above, including inner frames205 and outer fascia panels 204.

A customized outdoor kitchen such as that shown in FIG. 1 is constructedby first selecting desired types and quantities of provided outdoorkitchen modules having substantially matching outer fascia panels. Theselected individual modules are transported to an outdoor kitchen sitewhere they are assembled together in a desired configuration. Oncejoined together and fully assembled, an outdoor kitchen like that shownin FIG. 1 substantially has the appearance of an outdoor kitchensubstantially constructed of a permanent outdoor building material suchas brick, stone, stucco, tile, wood, or the like. In order to mask thevertical seams between adjacent fascia panels of adjoining modules, amatching filler material may be applied to cover the seams.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understoodthat the invention is not limited thereto. The above detaileddescription of the embodiment is provided for example only and shouldnot be construed as constituting any limitation of the invention. Thus,modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and allmodifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular outdoor kitchen comprising: (a) aplurality of outdoor kitchen modules, each module comprising a framehaving a plurality of outer faces, the modules being releasablyconnected together in mating arrangement; (b) a plurality ofweather-resistant fascia panels, wherein each fascia panel includes atleast one exterior surface that simulates the appearance of an outdoorbuilding material, the plurality of exterior fascia panels beingpositioned on at least a portion of the pluralities of outer faces ofthe frames; wherein the modular outdoor kitchen substantially has theappearance of a built-in outdoor kitchen that is substantiallyconstructed of the outdoor building material when the plurality ofoutdoor kitchen modules are connected together.